LETTERS

Coding discrepancies

Fam Pract Manag. 2002 Mar;9(3):15.

To the Editor:

I take exception to Dr. Weinman’s comments regarding coding and documentation [Letters, January 2002, page 14]. If the current guidelines are so much easier than biochemistry and can be mastered in one to two weeks, as Dr. Weinman claims, then why was there disagreement on six sample cases coded by five “experts” in the study conducted by Dr. King [King MS, Sharp L, Lipsky M. Accuracy of CPT evaluation and management coding by family physicians. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2001;14(3):184–192.]? And why did the coding review panel completely agree only 17 percent of the time in “Test Your Coding Skills” [FPM, February, 2002, page 41]? Unfortunately, when it comes to coding, the only correct answer is that of the auditor.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Send your comments to fpmedit@aafp.org. Submission of a letter will be construed as granting AAFP permission to publish the letter in any of its publications in any form. We cannot respond to all letters we receive. Those chosen for publication will be edited for length and style.

FPM E-Newsletter

To avoid a negative payment adjustment from Medicare in 2020, practices must achieve a MIPS final score of at least 15 points for the 2018 performance period. Here's how to meet this performance threshold.